"But the extreme cold is most concerning to emergency services that have to be outside to perform their duties," he said. During the extreme weather conditions, the fire division planned to fully staff both fire stations. "This brings the staffing from 10 to 14 firefighters on duty," Riley said.

The city streets department also braced for the winter weather.

Michael Andrako, Marysville's public service director, said the city has one large dump truck used for U.S. Route 33 and six 2.5-ton dump trucks equipped with plows and salt spreaders.

"We have three 1-ton dump trucks and three pickup trucks," Andrako said. "We also have four skid loaders that are used for clearing cul-de-sacs."

During snow emergencies, the city also can use equipment from the water and wastewater divisions to help clear snow.

As of Monday, Jan. 6, the city had used about 1,000 tons of salt this winter. It had about 1,800 tons left and still has salt to purchase from the city's 2013-14 contract.

Riley said it was the extreme cold and wind-chill advisory that should concern residents -- for this or any future winter storms.

"It is our hope that the community will only go outside if absolutely necessary, and when doing so, they dress appropriately in layers," he said. "Any exposed skin can quickly become frostbitten."

The polar vortex disrupted school schedules as well as trash collection and library hours.

While the low temperatures Jan. 6 and 7 led many central Ohio districts to cancel classes, Marysville only had to close to students Jan. 7 due to a professional development day previously scheduled Jan. 6.

Trash contractor Republic Services Inc. closed its operations Jan. 7, moving the collection schedule forward one day for the remainder of the week.